Ferris was the one who started the thread, and think he wants to see if we can get a few more on here.

Anyone have any idea topics or are we just meet and greet drinking?

from the looks we are spread all over the state? and that would give us a very different clientel base. We also have different levels of service.

So maybe types of clients, type of work, what works what doesnt, biz regulations/licensing?

I think it would be a great missed opportunity if we don't come up with some kind of game plan or at least a few goals, I think that will also draw guys.
I also think something as simple as a little directory, who is who and where are they and what do they do. this way if a guy is looking for say subcontracting someone to do hedges or spraying or has a big job coming up guys could work together. For example, I really don't do clean ups that I have to bring stuff anywhere, most is just blow in the woods or mulch it - but if I had a customer that I needed stuff hauled away for I could call someone who had a vac and trailer - if I get the stuff crub side. Otherwise I would just tell the customer that I don't do that and they get some ham an egger to do it for cheap. So I think there is an opporutnity to offer our customers more service without breaking our own backs or trying to duplicate what someone else is already doing.
I also wonder how many guys here are invovled with RINL is that worth being involved with - what size companies are we all.

my area is mostly aquidneck Island bristol and warren. But If I got a call for a lawn or property other then this I would be happy to give it to one of you. I dont have much work yet as some of you know im new to the game. But Im not going to drive over newport bridge spen 8 dollers to make 30.. not a wise decision. So this could work in favor for lots of us RI boys.

Hey All!
Yeah I was thinking maybe a meet and drink, go over some networking. I personally want to get my applicators license, but if Mike already has his than maybe it's easier and cheaper to have him do my apps........stuff like that. I would really love to do these meetings on a quartely basis, I mean seriously, who doesn't like going out for a few beers with the guys.

Ralph, I like the idea of the directory. Basic contanct info, parts of the state you work in and services you provide would be great. I don't have a problem giving work to you guys, the only thing I worry about is the type of situation Mike and Ben are in. Give someone work and then they try and steal customers is not cool.

As far as the meet and drink, we should do it before Spring has Sprung! Im thinking the end of March, maybe do something in southern RI, Caseys in Wakefield is nice.........Then the next meeting we could work our way closer North for our LCO Brothers up there. I eventually think it would be great if we had enough "Members" we could use that to our advantage of purchasing materials or equipment at lower prices?

Hey All!
Yeah I was thinking maybe a meet and drink, go over some networking. I personally want to get my applicators license, but if Mike already has his than maybe it's easier and cheaper to have him do my apps........stuff like that. I would really love to do these meetings on a quartely basis, I mean seriously, who doesn't like going out for a few beers with the guys.

Ralph, I like the idea of the directory. Basic contanct info, parts of the state you work in and services you provide would be great. I don't have a problem giving work to you guys, the only thing I worry about is the type of situation Mike and Ben are in. Give someone work and then they try and steal customers is not cool.

As far as the meet and drink, we should do it before Spring has Sprung! Im thinking the end of March, maybe do something in southern RI, Caseys in Wakefield is nice.........Then the next meeting we could work our way closer North for our LCO Brothers up there. I eventually think it would be great if we had enough "Members" we could use that to our advantage of purchasing materials or equipment at lower prices?

Hey I agree Ferris, I think when we look at the friction between two guys often times it is really a mis understanding - other times we do things that we regret instantly but cannot find a way out.

For a good part of my life ---- here we go public exposure --- I ran the RI Seafood Council, which was one of the most succesfullly seafood organizations in the world. Yeah I know right here in RI. Well the politics of it grew to incrediable heights --- another story, another time. What was important about that time was, that a lot of companies became key contacts on a world wide basis for product, even if it didn't come from here. Of course we are not going to do that here, but we can raise our image in the public eye and make the money we need to.

The directory idea would be a start. Years ago we talked about buying supplies cheaper - we ended up buying clam bake cans so cheap it was crasy, it didn't work for much else, but imagine going to someone like Allens in North Kingstwon and saying hey we want to buy 6 pallets of 18-2-18 and we will pay now - each guy would get a chit to pick up what they paid for what do you think Allen would do thinking that truck loads of other stuff would be coming up next.

Caseys would probably be good --- easy for me. I too would like to see 4 meetings a year

Im not thinking of much of an agenda right off the bat. Myself im thinking a few beers do some talking because convb\ersation will head to work anyways. And then we all can put a face on who it is we are talking too on lawnsite. I am up for anything as I am easy going.